Choreographer/dancer Dam Van Huynh has been appointed as Artistic Director of Centre 151, an independent charity based in Haggerston, Hackney, promoting culture, arts and community integration at every level. The centre is the outcome of a collaboration between the Community Centre for Refugees from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia (VLC) – formerly known as VLC Centre and, since its inception in 1986, a vital meeting point for refugees from South East Asia – and Van Huynh Company, a cutting edge contemporary dance company with a growing national and international reputation.

The smell of Vietnamese food – served throughout the day – greeted visitors as they entered the building. The main space housed a dance floor, lounge and massage area and had a warm and friendly atmosphere. Classes and performance sessions followed each other as enthusiastic audience members chose to either participate or observe the fun.

Kicking off with performances by Debanjali Biswas and Gleich Dances, the day was filled with a rich array of styles and artists. Later in the afternoon and wedged between a performance by Centre 151 Youth Group and a Balboa class, a House of Absolute Waacking demonstration took the space by storm, followed by Shoreditch Youth Dance Company.

Visitors were also invited to explore the building, relaxing in the garden or joining further classes and activities in the other studios. The Open Day also marked the inauguration of the Centre’s newly refurbished Therapy Room open for physical therapy and treatments.

The Open Day marked an important beginning of a new chapter for the South East Asian community opening their space to the wider community, artists and contemporary art forms.

Check the full range of arts activity at Center 151www.centre151.com
151 Whiston road, London, E2 8BN
The venue also has spaces to hire – more details in our Studio Directory